Connecticut man tried to cut arm off after becoming trapped in furnace

Published 12:08 pm Thursday, June 10, 2010

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut man trapped for at least three days with his arm stuck in his furnace cut his own arm nearly off because of a spreading infection.

Dr. Scott Ellner of St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center said today that Jonathan Metz used his own tools to cut through his arm near the shoulder after smelling dead tissue. He said Metz likely saved his own life, but must have been in indescribable pain.

Metz’s arm became trapped as he worked on the furnace Sunday. He attempted the amputation Tuesday, but still couldn’t free himself. He was rescued Wednesday night after friends noticed he was missing.

Firefighters ripped apart the furnace with heavy tools to get him out.

Ellner says Metz fashioned his own tourniquet and drank water that had leaked from the furnace.